ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival to showcase Science Book Fair
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival, being organised as part of the 5th India International Science Festival  2019 at Kolkata, will also feature a Science Book Fair where more than thirty publishers will display their scientific publications.
IISF 2019 is an annual event organised jointly by the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Vijnana Bharati . The fifth edition of IISF this year is being held at Kolkata during November 5–8, 2019.
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival is being coordinated by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources , Vigyan Prasar and Vigyan Bharati. The event would be held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata.
The International Science Literature Festival will be inaugurated on 5th November 2019 by the Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan. Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India Prof. Ashutosh Sharma will deliver the keynote address while Dr Shekhar C. Mande, Secretary, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research and Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research  will chair the session.
Apart from panel discussions, invited talks, and paper presentations on themes related to science communication, public engagement with science, and science policy for science communication Vigyanika will also feature innovative formats of science communication such as drama, poetry, and magic. A Science Book Fair will also be a major attraction of Vigyanika.
The Science Book Fair is expected to feature more than thirty renowned publishers of scientific literature from across the country. Apart from scientific publishers, several scientific institutes and departments will also display their scientific publications, which include popular science books, encyclopaedias, journals, science magazines and various other knowledge products – a unique opportunity for the lovers of scientific literature in Kolkata.
Apart from a display of scientific literature, the Science Book Fair will be interspersed with exciting events such as release of new books, meetings with authors, and science storytelling sessions. Two competitions are also being organized as part of the Science Book Fair. These include a debate competition and a competition to draw the best cartoon on a scientific topic.
Children, teachers, innovators, scientists, academicians, craftsmen and entrepreneurs are invited to this grand India International Science Festival. And those with an interest in science literature, popular science books and various other formats of science communication should not miss this opportunity to visit the Science Book Fair at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata during November 5-7, 2019.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister to Inaugurate the Ring Road and Babatpur Airport Road in Varanasi Tomorrow
PM to Dedicate to the Nation the Inland Waterways Terminal on River Ganga in Varanasi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation, two important national highways in Varanasi, having a total length of 34 kilometres and constructed at a cost of Rs 1571.95 crore on Monday, the 12th of November, 2018. He will be accompanied by UP Governor Shri Ram Naik, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The function will be held in the afternoon at Ring Road Tiraha, Hardua, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
The 16.55 km Varanasi Ring Road Phase-I has been completed at a cost of Rs 759.36 crore, while the work of four-laning and construction of 17.25 km Babatput-Varanasi road on NH-56 has cost Rs 812.59 crore.
The Babatpur Airport highway will link Varanasi to the airport and go on to Jaunpur, Sultanpur and Lucknow. With a flyover at Harhua and an ROB at Tarna, the road will reduce the travel time from Varanasi to the airport. This will prove a big relief to the people of Varanasi and to tourists and other visitors to the city.
The Ring Road, with two ROBs and a flyover, will provide a way for traffic on NH 56 , NH 233 , NH 29  and Ayodhya – Varanasi highways to by pass Varanasi city, thereby reducing traffic congestion in the city. This will reduce travel time, fuel usage and pollution in the area. The Ring Road will provide easier and more convenient access to Sarnath, an important site for Buddhist pilgrimage.
These projects will also provide increased employment opportunities, development of small and medium industries and give a boost to economic development in the area. Currently NH projects of total length 2833 km, costing Rs 63,885 crore are underway to link Varanasi to other places in Eastern Uttar Pradesh..
Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation an inland waterways terminal on river Ganga in Varanasi. This is the first of the four multi modal terminals being constructed on NW-I  as part of the World Bank aided Jal Marg Vikas project of the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The other three terminals are under construction at Sahibganj, Haldia and Gazipur. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT on river Ganga.
PM will also receive the country’s first container consignment  to be sent on an inland waterways vessel. This consignment containing cargo of the food and beverage company Pepsico set sail from Kolkata in the last week of October.
Ministry of Power
Power Minister inaugurates diversion of Marusudar River at Pakal Dul HE Project  in J&K
Accelerated development of hydropower projects is essential for grid balancing and generating peak power , says Shri R.K Singh
Pakal Dul H.E. Project will contribute significantly in fulfilling the target of 450 GW Renewable energy by 2030: Shri Singh
Investment of Rs. 8212 crores being made in Kishtwar through the project
Project to generate employment opportunities and contribute in development of the region
Shri R.K. Singh Union Minister, Power, New and Renewable Energy virtually inaugurated yesterday the Diversion of Marusudar River of Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project in Kishtwar district of J&K.
The Minister congratulated the entire team of CVPPPL, NHPC and JKSPDC for successful achievement of this crucial milestone of river diversion and also advised to work in a planned manner to expeditiously complete the construction works of Coffer Dam and Concrete Face Rockfill Dam for overall completion of project within scheduled time. He appreciated the entire team for working hard in tough climatic conditions in far flung areas. He advised that accelerated development of hydropower projects is essential for grid balancing and generating peakpower and Pakal Dul H.E. Project will contribute significantly in fulfilling the target of 450 GW Renewable energy by 2030. He assured that through this project, investment of Rs. 8212 croresis being made in the region which will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities and willhelpoverall development of the local inhabitants.
Shri Alok Kumar, Secretary GOI, Shri Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, PDD, GOJK, Shri A.K. Singh, CMD, NHPC, Shri Suresh Kumar, Chairman, CVPPPL, and other seniorofficers of Power Ministry and State Administration attended the function.
The Principal Secretary, PDD, Government of J&K assured continuous support of J&Kadministration in achieving the scheduled milestones of HydroPower projects and paid his gratitude to the Union Minister for taking keen interest in the overall development of the region.
Pakal Dul HE Project  is being constructed by Chenab Valley Power Projects [P] Ltd. a joint venture company of NHPC Ltd  and JKSPDC . CVPPPL has been entrusted 3094 MW Hydro Power Projects for construction in J&K. Marusudar River is a major tributary of Chenab River. Diversion of River will pave the way for acceleration in construction activities of the Project.
The completion of the project shall be boon to the overall development of the region and lead to improvement in socio economic conditions of the people.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Armed Forces Celebrate Fifth Veterans Day, 14 Jan 2021
Fifth Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated today as a recognition of the services rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE who retired on 14 Jan 1953. Wreath Laying Ceremony was organised today morning at National War Memorial in New Delhi with Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, CISC, Headquarter Integrated Defence Staff paying homage to the martyrs in presence of veterans.
A Veterans Meet was also organised at Raina Auditorium, APS DhaulaKuan with Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff as the Chief Guest for the event. Gen MM Naravane, COAS and Air Marshal RK Bhadouria, CAS were also present for the event. The event was organised following COVID protocols.
Speaking on the occasion Army Chief highlighted some important welfare measures undertaken by various welfare departments during the year amidst the COVID pandemic. He also briefed the veterans on the Swarnim Vijay Varsh being celebrated through the year to honour our veterans who gave us the victory in 1971 war. Admiral Karambir reiterated the resolve of Services for the well being of veterans and assured them that their valuable suggestions were also welcome.
Admiral Karambir Singh also released the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ song dedicated to the valour and courage of our brave soldiers during the 1971 War. The song has been written by Mr Kumar Vishwas and composed by Mr Chris Powell. It has been sung by Mr Romy. Army released the coveted ‘Samaan’ magazine and Air Force released the ‘Vayu Samvedna’ magazine on the occasion. These magazines are exclusively for Veterans and their Next of Kin.
Department of Atomic Energy
Dr Jitendra Singh calls for wider applications of nuclear technology in everyday life
Dr Jitendra Singh addresses at roadshow on Advances in Nuclear Food and Agriculture
Various sessions on Nuclear Agriculture, Agri and radiation technologies held
The Minister of State  of the Ministry of DONER, Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions; Atomic Energy & Space, DrJitendra Singh has called for wider applications of nuclear technology in everyday life. He said the vision of the founding father of India’s nuclear programme, Dr. HomiBhabhawas not to limit the nuclear research to the confines of the laboratory, but to take the technology to the outside world for the benefit of mankind. He was addressing at a roadshow on Advances in Nuclear Food and Agriculture, organised by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Department of Atomic Energy , here today. The Secretary, DAE, Shri K N Vyas and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
DrJitendra Singh said way back in the Fifties, when DrHomiBhabhasaid our nuclear programme is based on the peaceful use of atomic energy, the world did not believe us. But today we are running a successful and safe nuclear energy programme.
The Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Shri K. N. Vyas said that the roadshow aims at showcasing the societal applications that DAE is pursuing. Senior Officers from the Ministries of Agriculture, Food Processing, Fertilizers and Chemicals, FSSAI and concerned government agencies attended the meeting.
During the day, various sessions were held on Nuclear Agriculture and Crop Improvement, Agri-Technologies for plant and soil health and Radiation technologies for food preservation. The topics ranged from crop improvement in oilseeds, BARC’s contribution in pulses, Mutation breeding in cereals and millets, radiation-based technologies for augmenting crop growth and water conservation, biopesticides and biofertilizers: technologies for improving plant and soil health, radiation processing of fruits and vegetables, radiation processing for microbial safety, among others. Plenary lectures were also held on challenges in seed production and deployment and Revival of traditional varieties using radiation induced mutation breeding.
Indian agriculture is confronted with new challenges like rising population, unpredictable climate changes, changing food habits and growing urbanization. Apart from supplying adequate food, it will now be a major task to provide nutritious food to achieve ‘zero hunger’. Towards achieving food security, radiation-based crop improvement and food preservation technologies would contribute significantly to enhance crop productivity and reduce food losses. Development of climate resilient, nutrient-rich varieties with resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in crop plants will address most of the concerns.
Ministry of Defence
MoD clarifies there is no proposal to privatise OFB
In continuation of the meeting held on August 14, a Committee of senior officials of Ministry of Defenceled by Additional Secretary, Department of Defence Production alongwith Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board  once again met the office bearers of the All India Defence Employees Federation, Indian National Defence Workers Federation, Bhartiya Pratiksha Mazdoor Sangh and Confederation of Defence Recognized Association here today on the issue of Strike notice given by them starting with effect from August 20, 2019. The meeting was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
The Committee also pointed out that the employees’ call for 30 days’ strike was unprecedented, especially when Government has already agreed to their demand to hold discussions at the MoD level and is in process of continuously engaging with them.
The Committee explained to the employee organisations that there is no proposal to privatise OFB.The proposal under consideration of Government is to make it into Defence Public Sector Undertakings , which is 100 per cent Government owned. Rumours being spread that OFB is being privatised are misguiding and with the intent to mislead the workers. Corporatisation of OFB will bring OFB at par with other DPSUs of MoD. This is in the interest of OFB as it will provide operational freedom and flexibility to OFB which it presently lacks. Besides, the interests of the workers will be adequately safeguarded in any decision taken on the subject.
The Committee also pointed out that Government has been continuously trying to strengthen the functioning of OFB, including having taken several steps to modernise the factories, carry out capital upgradation, re-train and re-skill OFB employees at Government costs, enable development of products and components with indigenous technology.The Committee urged the employee organisations to recognise Government’s efforts to make OFB into a competitive, productive and efficient organisation with higher turnover and enhanced profitability, which would also be in the interest of the employees. Therefore, the Committee once again urged the employee organisations to withdraw their proposed strike.
ABB/Nampi/DK/Savvy/MTJ
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Department of Space
MISSION GAGANYAAN
The current status of Gaganyaan programme is as follows:
- An Astronaut training facility has been commissioned in Bengaluru. Training activities are progressing well at the newly commissioned Astronaut training facility.
- The design of all systems and sub-systems for Gaganyaan has been completed. Realisation of the same is in different stages of progress.
- Long duration qualification test of human rated cryogenic engine and First phase testing of human rated VIKAS Engine completed. First phase of demonstration tests for Gaganyaan service module propulsion system completed.
- Proof of concept demonstration for ground network with service providers completed. Construction of integration facility for Orbital module preparation is nearing completion.
- The MoU, Contracts and Implementation Arrangements  related activities with both national and international agencies are progressing well. The design of various human centric products has been completed and various prototypes are under realization.
- Receipt of Gaganyaan deliverables against contracts with M/s. Glavkosmos  and CNES  commenced.
- Roles and responsibility for crew recovery operations and rehearsals finalized. Detailed operational requirements for nominal missions scenarios worked out.
- The activities related to development of microgravity experiments have commenced. The conceptual design for experiments is under review.
The government is encouraging the private sector and start-ups for various Gaganyaan activities such as hardware realization, components supply, health monitoring devices, Virtual reality simulators etc.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
As on 27.07.2022, 6,973 applications received for participation under Land Pooling Policy
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today informed that Delhi Development Authority  has informed that they are not developing any model sectors under the Land Pooling Policy.
As on 27.07.2022, total 6,973 applications have been received for participation under Land Pooling Policy on the DDA web-portal through which willingness has been obtained for pooling approx. 7,317 Hectare of land.
The zone wise details including P-I zone are as follows:
|
|
Zone
|
|
Land available for development 
|
|
Number of applications received.
|
|
Land registered 
|
|
K-l
|
|
2088
|
|
188
|
|
252
|
|
L
|
|
8020
|
|
1630
|
|
2157
|
|
N
|
|
6518
|
|
3647
|
|
3476
|
|
P-ll
|
|
2448
|
|
1437
|
|
1361
|
|
P-l
|
|
1510
|
|
37
|
|
55
In addition to above, 33 applications have been received in Zone J through which willingness has been obtained for pooling approx. 16 Ha. of land.
Necessary changes are being made from time to time as per requirement to overcome the road blocks being faced in implementation of the scheme. Under the Land Pooling Policy, 70% contiguous land in a Sector is necessarily required to be pooled for further action by DDA. So far, none of the Sectors have achieved this condition. To facilitate the implementation of Land Pooling Policy, the Ministry has allowed issuance of Provisional Notice for formation of Consortium, even where “contiguity” condition is not met. Accordingly, DDA has issued Provisional Notice for formation of Consortium in respect of 3Sectors viz. Sector 2 and 3 in Zone P-II and Sector 10A in Zone N. The portal inviting willingness to participate in land pooling has also been re-opened by DDA for the period upto 25.08.2022.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Steps taken by centre to reduce import reliance
Government has taken several steps to reduce import reliance so as to curb the trade deficit. These include creating/enhancing of domestic capacity, incentivizing domestic manufacturing through Production Linked Incentive  schemes, phased manufacturing plans, timely use of trade remedy options, adoption of mandatory technical standards, enforcement of FTA Rules of Origin  and development of import monitoring system, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel said in reply to a parliamentary question today.
At the same time, following steps have been taken to boost exports so as to narrow down the trade deficit:
- Foreign Trade Policy  extended upto 31-03-2023.
- Interest Equalization Scheme on pre and post shipment rupee export credit has also been extended upto 31-03-2024.
- Assistance provided through several schemes to promote exports, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme  and Market Access Initiatives  Scheme.
- Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes  Scheme to promote labour-oriented textile export has been implemented since 07.03.2019.
- Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products  scheme has been implemented since 01.01.2021.
- Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement  utilization by exporters.
- 12 Champion Services Sectors have been identified for promoting and diversifying services exports by pursuing specific action plans.
- Districts as Export Hubs has been launched by identifying products with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district.
- Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced.
- Package announced in light of the COVID pandemic to support domestic industry through various banking and financial sector relief measures, especially for MSMEs, which constitute a major share in exports.
This information was provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel in reply to a parliamentary question today.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister meets the representatives of Italian Hindu Union
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with the community members from various organisations including the representatives of Italian Hindu Union-Sanatana Dharma Samgha.
Prime Minister lauded the role played by them in propagating Indian culture in Italy.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN AIR FORCE TO PARTICIPATE IN BILATERAL EXERCISE HOSTED BY MALAYSIA
A contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Malaysia today to participate in a bilateral exercise named 'Udarashakti'.
Indian Air Force is participating in the air exercise with Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft while the RMAF will be flying Su 30 MKM aircraft. The Indian contingent departed from one of its air bases directly for their destination, the RMAF base of Kuantan.
The exercise will give an opportunity to IAF contingent members to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from RMAF, while also discussing mutual combat capabilities.
The four days of exercise will witness conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces. Ex Udarashakti will fortify the long standing bond of friendship and enhance the avenues of defence cooperation between the two Air Forces, thereby augmenting security in the region.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
STANDARD MODEL OF SERVICES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE OF PARENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS  BILL, 2019 WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LOK SABHA.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 came into being due to the gradual withering away of Joint Family System in the society. For proper implementation of the provisions of the Act, the Government circulated Model Rules to State Governments/UTs in order to enable them to notify their respective State Rules, taking into consideration State-specific ground realities. The Act has been under implementation for more than a decade now. Based on the feedback received from various stakeholders, it has been found expedient to suitably amend the provisions of the Act in order to make it more contemporary and effective. Hence, after proper consultation with line-Ministries, State Governments, NGOs and Experts in the field, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens  Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri A. Narayanaswamy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, today.